Australia Post will commemorate the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting by issuing two stamps on 30 September 1981. The denominations of the stamps are 24c and 60c.
The issue date of the stamps is the opening day of the meeting, which being held from 30 September to 7 October 1981 at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne. It will be the largest international political gathering ever held in Australia, with over 40 countries represented, most of them at Head of Government level. The Queen, who is recognised as Head of State by thirteen of these countries, and as Head of the Commonwealth by them all, will be in Melbourne at the time.
The stamps and souvenir pack will be available at post offices for approximately two weeks from 30 September 1981 and will remain on sale at philatelic sales centres until 30 April 1982, provided stocks last.
Details
- Date of Issue: 30 September 1981
- Withdrawn Date:
- 13 October 1981 (FDC)
- 30 April 1982 (stamps & souvenir pack)
- Designer: Bruce Weatherhead, Melbourne
- Printer: Leigh Mardon Pty Ltd, Melbourne
- Press:
- Process: Photolithography
- Colours:
- Paper: Litho chromo stamp paper incorporating luminescence
- Watermark: None
- Perf: 13 x 13.25 (comb)
- Sheet: Printed in sheets of two panes of 50 stamps (R10 x 5) and separated by a horizontal gutter.
- Quantity:
Souvenir Pack
The two stamps (24c & 60c) will be available in a souvenir pack from 30 September 1981 for $A1.03. Technical and background information regarding the stamps is printed on the inside cover of the pack.
First Day Covers No.161 (Official)
One first day cover, number 161, will be provided from the issue. Unserviced covers measuring 165 mm x 92 mm, will be available from $A0.15 each from 16 September 1981. Serviced covers, with two stamps affixed and postmarked 30 September 1981, will be available for $A0.99 each from all first day of issue post offices until 13 October 1981, provided stocks last.
FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARKER OFFICES
Australian Stamp Bulletin
Australian Stamp Bulletin No.156 – September 1981
